Day 107 of 720 Before Earth's Death
Damn and I mean daaaamn. Yeah Andres's speech I'd give it an 8/10, but it did the job well. It seemed like everyone was onboard. People cheered and were or actually excited to go to battle or at the very least willing to fight.
The Army that came slowly trickled inside and set up their barracks in the park. Andres and the Village Leaders were holding a meeting with each other. I was asked to come, but I said I needed a little air. Really wouldn't you.
I just learned Vale's was about to get hit with Grimmnato which will destroy it and were about to stop it.
And to top it all off, Andres is heading the operation. Yeah you know the guy I trained how to hold a Sword properly almost four months ago. Fuck he didn't even have Aura four months ago.
Well from what I've heard of his accomplishments he's gotten really good and that Aura that surrounded him….it was strong I'm sure that's why the people actually believed a kid like him. Wait how old is he because I don't know his age.
Not just that, but he seems different. More mature or just less naive...or more if you count what he just said back there.
It's annoying I…...don't know how I feel about him. Sure when we were training I did catch him staring at me, but what I did was more of a teasing thing, but now with the date and the pretty much rejection I gave him...uh.
I didn't mean to, but it just came out of nowhere, props for the dude to have some balls.
It's just, I do feel happy around him, I feel alive. Like I want to be a better person just so he doesn't see me like the rest…..I just don't know.
He's smart, fun…...and so much like Aslan.
Oh that's why…...I guess your death still holds me.
I looked up at the shattered moon that me and Aslan would stargaze at when we had time. I said. "Aslan…..you know I loved you with everything and if I could I would throw everything away to spend one more day with you, but I know that will never happen...I guess if you're ok with me trying to find someone I can be happy with. So give me a sign on what you want." Tears start falling for my face.
What am I even saying? Aslan was my True Love and no one can change that…..not even Andres.
Behind me I hear. "By what I've heard of him, I know he'd want you to be happy even at his own determent." I turn and I see an Old Man who looked fit as hell.
Quickly trying to cover up my snot filled face I say. "Who are you?"
He says. "The one who knows most. I even know what happened with Aslan." He paused, but after a second he shook his head and said. "A tragic death, but I'm not here to talk about your love life. I'm here with coordinates and plans from the White Fang." Aslan….wait White Fang.
Quickly I put together that this is the old man the Village Leaders were talking about. "Your Kronos, I didn't know old people could be so buff. Onto the serious shit why are you bringing them up?" Ah this is the dramatics that everybody does.
"Connect the dots, Clover." He says a little annoyed.
Why is he annoyed….hold on the Grimm and now the White Fang, coincidence I think fucking not. "Where?!"
He smiles a bit and says. "Where they've been all along. Mount Glenn, the breach is going to happen Tonight along with the Grimm horde." Oh you gotta be kidding me.
"What the Queen would never allow it, it's practically declaring War on the World." I said because Sierra would die before getting all White Fang killed.
All he had to say was one word. "Adam….."
"God dammit, how did I not see it? I have to go tell the others." If Andres knows about it they can stop them, no I can.
Wait I don't know Kronos, and I know he ain't doing this for shits and giggles. "…...Kronos why are you doing this, what's your goal? Why help us."
He looks down and says. "To fix my mistakes and because I choose Life." He genuinely smiles at Clover and quietly says so Clover can't hear. "It's amazing to see you again." In a blink he was gone. You know what he said didn't give me anything to go on.
"Weirdo." I said by the way he talked.
In Azule's office me and the Village Leaders stuffed ourselves inside to talk about our strategy. It was Kakariko's, Konoha's, Whiterun's, The Monestary's, and several other smaller Villages Leaderships. To my amazement everyone was ok with Andres in charge.
I mean I always knew Andres was special, but this is a bit unexpected. In minutes of the meeting Andres gathered the info on what each Village had and quickly said. "We have 20,000 Troops in total. A quarter of them have Aura. Most know how to use guns. 90 Armed Bullheads and 30 Bulltanks that are armed and 200 Bullheads that are just for transportation our main transportation is the 600 trucks. The problem is we don't have enough guns for everyone, but we do have enough ammo if everyone uses guns. So my idea is we have two different groups Alpha and Omega. Both groups will have Aura users at the front and non Aura users behind because of their vulnerability, the group will consist of ¼ Aura users and ¾ non Aura users. First goes Alpha with the guns and once the Aura users are low on Aura or tired they will switch with Omega and pass their guns to them, they will switch when it is needed. in every Bullhead will be packed with the non Aura users and 2 Aura users accompany them just in case. Finally the Spear of the attack which will open the Grimm horde enough for all of us to get to the Wall of Vale and so Alpha and Omega can take action." Andres said pointing at a map of Vale.
Qrow gave us the location of the horde. What we know is when it will attack Vale it will have to go around the mountains making their movements predictable and planable.
The idea is if the Grimm horde is already there we have a plan to get through them to get to the Wall which is the worst situation.
I don't know much about tactics, but I do know when more than half of the room agrees it's good. To think the Student now commands the Master.
I look over to my fellow Monks and see Oshou agreeing completely and the other Monks had worried expressions.
Across the room a monstrous man with a red gem at the center of his forehead said. "Decent, let me inform the Militia about our formations and strategies. The Question now is who will be at the Spear."
Andres looks at us all and says. "Someone who has an attack that will disperse the Grimm enough to get us across the sea of shit…...I can do it if need be." Of course you're willing to do it.
Well so can I, mostly with my brothers in arms.
Before I could say my piece Dovahkiin spoke up and said. "No, I will take point."
Andres says. "You sure because you'll be in the most danger." Danger….damn Gyatso think before you almost act. It's good I'm not a part of the Spear. I need to be alive for Aang. I can't let my family curse continue
"Of course not." Dovahkiin says with a knowing expression in his eyes. Seems someone else sees danger that surrounds Andres. "I'll take the Monks with me." Dovahkiin said, surprising us.
Oshou immediately speaking for all of us and says. "Yes, we'll be on it as well." I was too stunned to even say a word. I looked at Oshou and gave him a look, but he ignored me and the other Monks completely.
Andres nods and continues on with the meeting. "Ok they are the Spear. Once the dispersion happens we need everyone to get across. I want me and Minato to be the Wall between our Soldiers and the Grimm because I have a couple of ideas to hold back the Horde."
Minato nodding gives a thumbs up and says. "You got it."
"Azure you stay with Alpha and Omega keep morale up." He says looking at Azure.
Azure smacking his stomach lightly joyfully says. "Ah the life of a Life Coach returns." That does seem like an occupation he'd be in.
"Qrow I need you to get either to Ozpin or a high profile figure like the Council to alert them of the horde. If they're already alerted, make sure that all of the guards and Huntsmen go to the Wall of Vale." Andres said and Qrow nodded.
Zenkou who is still shivering in fear says. "Do you really believe Salem is behind this?" For the first time I've ever seen Zenkou ever let his hardheadedness not guide him. I know of Salem and so does everyone here, but it is still skin crawling to even think she's coming for us now.
The Evil monster that controls the Grimm.
Andres just shrugs his shoulders and says. "Maybe, but it doesn't matter, we just have to keep Vale standing and ourselves alive. If she is behind it we won't let this go unpunished."
As the meeting was about to conclude we heard quick footsteps coming towards us.
In came a sweating Clover, her eyes screamed news. "Salem…...guys I have bad news. The White Fang is planning something." She said getting everyone's attention, mostly the massive man.
The room goes silent for a moment from everyone to realize it's very possible that the White Fang will be involved.
For the past months the White Fang has targeted Kakariko and SCD affiliated Towns, Vale just seems like the next step for them. "The White Fang." The massive man said with an angry frown. "Why didn't you inform us earlier! You probably didn't want to out your allies isn't th…." One voice took command without having to yell.
"Ganon shut up." Andres said almost without emotion. "How and where, we need to plan for it if it's true, and it is true, Clover correct." He said getting to the point and not letting his emotions get in the way.
"Yeah, Kronos just told me about it. Adam Taurus is going to be there." Clover said frantically. Suddenly half of the room who knew what happened the last time Adam was around looked at Andres.
Instead of fear on his face it was complete focused anger. "Adam." He said in a low growl.
Clover not wanting Andres to freak out, she says the rest. "The White Fang is going to use the old subway under Mount Glenn. Kronos said they're going to cause a breach."
Qrow, who's been letting Andres take the reins, speaks up and says. "The old subway system….it ends at Emerald Park." Everyone looks at Qrow intrigued. He immediately sees the looks he's getting and says. "What, I did a paper about it in Beacon." Ah, so he went to Beacon. I remember when I wanted to go there…..that was a long time ago.
Andres focusing back on the map and the plans he's made and says. "This mixes things up…..if they succeed the Grimm will kill everybody from the inside which will mostly be civilians…...We're going to have a third group Stigma. Clover will lead them with you will be multiple Huntsmen because the White Fang while weak is still in a different ballpark of danger than Grimm." He said integrating a new part of the plan.
The now named Ganon spoke up on the matter. "Why her? She could betray us at any moment." While no one wanted to say it they felt uncomfortable around her after her former affiliation with the White Fang came out during the meeting.
Andres, not having distrust in his Army, says. "I truly do not believe she will betray us, but if in the one in a million chance she does that's why the Huntsmen will go. Clover, go stop them, we'll take on the Grimm." Clover understands why Andres had to take that stance and nods her head.
Dovahkiin noticed something was off and said. "That's good to hear, but I noticed a very important part of this operation is missing...the Huntsmen." Ah yes, our greatest resource. We haven't heard much about them in the plan.
"Oh your right….well ask them what are their strengths and weaknesses and assign them roles to be at their most efficient. If one area needs more we'll shift the Huntsmen to accompany that gap." Andres starting to sound like a soulless machine the more he talked about the plans.
It was unsettling. The calculating Leader behind the feisty bubbly idiot.
Clover awkwardly jumps in and says. "I forgot to say the worst part of the attack is happening tonight."
The whole room went quiet and after a couple of seconds Andres who had his mouth wide open started blaring out orders. "...Azure go form Alpha, Ganon form Omega, and Clover form Stigma, Gyatso and Dovahkiin go find people who are willing to be on the Spear of the attack. Do all of you know the roles of each squad."
Most of the Leaders got their composer back and said. "Uhh yeah."
"Then go form your teams. We set out at midnight." He said, grabbing Minato to talk about their plan.
"Yes sir!" Everyone nodded their heads and quickly headed out the room to head to the barracks to start forming their teams.
Throughout the time the disorganized people quickly got assigned to their teams. The Hundred of Huntsmen were sprinkled out in every team except the Spear and the Wall.
Ganon and Azule quickly got their men to teach every available pilot to fly a Bulltank and how to use their main weapon.
"Yang you sure were out of money!?" Ruby whined as they walked past all of the stands with delicious food. Ah the Vital Festival, good thing it lasts a couple of months. Which is really fucking weird.
Yang looked at her phone and saw a 0 and said. "Yeah dad didn't send any money after us not picking up his calls." They've been too busy to talk to him. You know training and beating a criminal Underworld into the ground takes a lot of time.
Like the White Fang gathering with Torchwick and the docks. Crazy what's been happening lately. Maybe Yang would call her Dad later as she does like their pun talks.
"Dammit dad, hey Weiss you have a lot of money…..Fooood." Ruby said, giving Weiss the puppy dog eyes.
Weiss raised an eyebrow and said playfully annoyed. "Are you trying to leech off the Schnee family name?"
"You call it leeching. I call it being a Best Friend." Ruby said desperately trying to get the food.
Weiss having enough of Ruby says. "Fine let's go eat at….."
"Clucken Bell!" Ruby yells as she uses her Semblance on Weiss and herself to get in front of one of her favorite stands.
Disgusted by the greasy that practically protruded from the store Weiss leans back in disgust. "Uh, junk food."
Ruby seeing Weiss looking at another stand had to find a way to get Weiss on board. "Come on, it has protein and protein means more muscle, and more muscle means higher chance at winning the tournament." Ruby says 'Convincingly'
The Vytal tournament, which they've been working so hard for, it's one of their goals. To be number one to have a voice in the World, no matter small.
The whole idea of it was Ruby, the one who reaches for the stars. Her idea was to become a Hero who does what needs to be done even if it's a bit against the law and over these last couple of months she's been seeing the small bits of corruption in the World and now she wants it out of the systems in place, but that hasn't taken away a single ounce of naivety from her.
Weiss dumbfounded how stupid what Ruby said she says. "Well no not when the chicken is processed meat."
Blake, wanting something in her stomach, butts in and says. "You hating?"
"Fine fatten yourself up, just don't come to me with more training." Weiss says as they got their meals which Weiss paid unhappily for.
In a warehouse near the great Wall of Vale Roman and some White Fang grunts were packing trucks with highly explosive Dusts.
"Careful, careful, drop it and everyone here is a smear." I yelled at a White Fang grunt that looked like he was about to drop the heavy explosive.
Quickly I double checked each truck of the 10 trucks and nodded in approval. "Finally Roman I knew you'd be useful." Behind me a woman...who am I kidding? It's Cinder with her two underlings who are still working around their new relationship with each other, yeah I can tell I do have a keen eye for romance.
I smile about my job well done and grab a cigar from my pocket and light it and say. "Here's your shit, now me and Neo are gonna wait out the hellfire in our trusty safe house." I start walking away to have a movie sesh with my Best Friend if what I expect doesn't happen.
Cinder smirking just a bit stops me by saying. "Sorry Roman that won't do, I need you out here when it happens. Be here. I'll tell you what I need you to do." Understanding what was happening I kept my cool and remained the same good old Roman.
Sarcastically I say. "Sure, more surprises."
Cinder with an almost patronizing tone says. "Don't worry Roman Huntsmen are at an all time low and Vale's defenses are lowered because of the Council. You'll be fine, I promise you won't even be touched by them." In my inner mind my bullshit meter just blew up. I've been in this game for a long time and by now I could sense lies even when a Sociopath tries to lie.
I knew what's going to happen, but I might as well get something out of all of this. "Sounds nice, but my payment."
"Will be after everything, just survive." Cinder says as she walks away from me. Unknowingly to inform Adam of the new plan.
After everyone left the warehouse I grabbed an office chair and sat down with my legs on some nearby boxes.
Knowing I can't get out of this, I texted Neo three words. "I Love You."
Guess the game got to me. And of all people it's a Smug slut that got me.
Oh if you didn't notice Cinder just betrayed me and she did it infront of me and I couldn't do anything about it. I knew this would happen.
I know what you're thinking, Roman, why didn't you plan more or escape like you always do. Well my dear mind reader...I was outplayed.
I could have ran, but Cinder would come for me, she doesn't want any of her actions to be heard of. I could have hid, but I know they have someone who can track me down. I could have fought, but I know I would never win.
And let's not forget all of my contacts….well because Cinder made me I had to use up most of my favors and betrayed many of my fellow Co workers. All of my influence in the Underworld is gone and all that was left was my fortune and my supposed payment. All gone because I was forced to steal Dust for months on end.
There was no Hero to save me or nothing I could have done. All I could do is secure what is precious to me.
It's why Neo isn't here or at the "Safe house" Which right now is probably surrounded by bombs I stole for Cinder or White Fang grunts.
Right now Neo is on a supply run which is a train that is heading for Vacuo. She won't be able to get back fast enough to stop this from happening. And as insurance I got a guy who can make a room unleavable for a good hour. He cost a fraction of my fortune, but for Neo it was worth it.
Ever since I met you outside my Family's Orphanage I swore I'd keep you fed. Don't worry you'd be eating the rest of your life.
I puffed a smoke circle and with a flick of my wrist my crud destroyed the circle of smoke.
Even if I'm not there to eat with you…..Thank you for just being with me. You stopped my loneliness from consuming me.
Hold on there's one last thing I can do.
Amber is still dying, but the machine Ironwood brought is finally ready to be used.
Pyrrha. Great student, even better fighter. The best is the last time I talked to her and explained the situation. She told me she believes in destiny, that means she's gullible.
She will be the one to inherit the Fall maiden powers, not Salem's new pawn. I still need some cards in My pocket.
The plan is to let Vale fall to let Salem hold a piece of power for a decade or so.
The thing is this whole thing is nothing more than pleasantries. The moment we have a chance we will grab onto our Goal and kill the other.
Now where is Pyrrha….oh she's on the roof training with Jaune. By the look of it she's about to cry or be in a fit of rage.
I know what's happening. A perfect moment has appeared.
On the roof with both Jaune and Pyrrah taking a short break and Pyrrah wanting to see how Jaunes day was and accidentally brought up Weiss.
Pyrrah loves Weiss, but it's hard to not feel so jealous. "Weiss is just….she's perfect. In grades, looks and personality. She sees the bad she's done and does try to fix it and even when she is not at fault." Jaune said practically preaching. If anyone else was there it would be creepy to hear that.
Pyrrah blocking out his voice says. "She is a wonderful person." Her voice strained from her keeping her jealousy in check.
Jaune looks down and solemnly says. "The thing is, I know I'm annoying her with all of my flirting and attempts to woo her, but I can't help it. I just want to be around her or just make her feel happy."
Pyrrah heart started to break like I mean how fucking oblivious is Jaune. "Do you think you can do that for anyone else?"
"No, I mean of course I want my friends and family safe and happy, but I want deep in my heart to have Weiss happy." He said reaching into his pack to grab a white flower he got for Weiss.
Pyyrah had enough, she just wanted him happy. She knew making Weiss happy wasn't the answer because Jaune was just lying to himself. "What about you?" She said angrily
Jaune, confused by the aggression Pyrrah was giving off, said. "What about me?"
Some self sacrificing bullshit. Having enough, Pyrrha jumped up and glared at Jaune like never before and yelled. "Weiss doesn't care about you, she hardly notices you and that is only because you keep trying to woo her. She doesn't like you!"
Jaune getting hit by what could be the truth just looked at Pyrrha. "..." He stayed silent as his face turned from shock to Anger, but then sadness.
Pyrrah sees what she did to him. Which is like practically stabbing the dude's heart. She tries to make it right. "I...I...I'm sorry I didn't me…." She fucked up.
Jaune intervenes and with an almost hollow look stands up and says. "No...no it's ok. Maybe you're right. She hardly looks at me and she always looks annoyed whenever I'm around. I can hardly ever get a smile on her face, but almost everyone else can." Tears start falling from his face as he walks to the entrance to the roof and says. "I always knew it, I just thought if I could change her mind on me. That she was wrong about how she saw me…...maybe I was wrong about myself too."
Pyrrah trying to salvage what she just broke. "Jaune I didn't mean…."
Jaune calmly, but most importantly Hollowly says. "No it's ok Pyrrah you saw me hitting a brick wall and finally had enough. Thanks for making me see straight...I'm going to head to the festival stands. I have a lot to think about." He walks off leaving his gear on the roof with Pyrrah. Right now he didn't care about it. He needs to think.
"Idiot, idiot." Pyrrah said as she started tearing up for hurting Jaune. She was supposed to do it softly, not as fucking cruel as what happened.
Unbenounced to her, a Wizard saw a perfect opportunity to make a new ally.
The new militia formed all around me. Everyone was helping out. Each veteran Soldier helped the newbies, the ones who had no previous fighting experience, but still joined the War effort. Really it's admirable to be willing to fight a dangerous battle when you don't know how to.
I walked around and talked to every Leader of the Militia. It went well, but more importantly I was using my Semblance to create my Thread Turrets, yeah I named my new ability. Hope my Semblance can last this battle.
Talking about fighting, Ganon went full militaristic. He quickly and concisely taught the Soldiers their formation and when to switch with team Alpha or Omega and every other bit they needed to know just in case.
I don't know why I'm calling them Soldiers, really their people who want to protect what they have. Normal people maybe your Accountant or your Baker, fucking it looks like everybody is joining in.
It was weird even people I've seen before were here, Oengul and Eorlund both forged quality weapons for some of the frontal Aura Soldiers. Heaven knows they need it. Even the kids were delivering weapons to the Militia.
You think that's was it even Lavender was bringing truckloads of armor….well they were to sell at first, but out of the kindness of her heart she gave them to the grateful Soldiers.
The Militia Soldier probably didn't have money because they came on short notice, also who brings money to a battle. By the look of it, it was the cheap stuff.
The Monks decided to Locate themselves near the Dust store to get as much supply as possible.
Like evil geniuses they grabbed some Dust and used their knowledge and made bombs to thin the Grimm horde. Naturally people wanted to See the Legendary Aura Monks work, but all were too scared to approach them.
On a good turn of fortune Gyatso learned of my Dust Capacitor breaking and gave me his for now.
By the way, Oshou kept having to push the other Monks. It seems they don't want to be here, same even I don't want to be here.
Even the shit kid and the throat slid dad were here handing out rations and First Aids just in case. They came to Kakariko. After this I'll try to get them a flight to their family. No one should ever be taken away from their family.
The thing that hurt my heart a bit was Max. He was by himself preparing near the armory. He looked soulless….Revenge for his kid is probably what he wants…...I'm sorry I swear I'll never let it happen again.
Then that one dude Kyle from the SCD he was here to. He came up to me and told me he wanted to help, Guess he quit. Good one less person I need to destroy to stop the SDC.
I didn't notice before but the Companions from Whiterun were here. They were so few that I could see them in packs of people but from what I remember from the game is that they are very strong. Good to have them by my side, Werewolf motherfuckers.
At some point I remembered about Violet and I asked Azule about it and it seemed that she was currently in Vale for a press conference to calm the public of the CTT tower troubles. So that's why he's so willing and fired up to be a Hero. To make sure his daughter is Ok.
Even Blaine Veronica's dad was here, what a man. He came wearing the best quality armor given to him by his worried daughters. From the look he seems like he's seen a battle or two with how relaxed he looks.
Even Veronica got word of this and started working on armbands for each team. Each team had a different armband. Alpha had Red, Omega had Blue, and Stigma was White.
It helped the Militia to organize far better.
Everyone was doing something, even me. I am just finishing my fifth Thread Turret filled with both Ice Dust and a special kind of Dust that Elixir showed me Existed.
Elixir…. I wish you were here buddy. It would help my nerves to know you had my back out there.
"We're ready Andres." Dovahkiin said as he walked me around. Looking over to him he had some sick armor. It looked like the Ebony Armor from Skyrim. Next to him his quiet Servant was holding out his hand and grabbing Dovahkiin's shoulder. I sense Aura being used so I assume he's powering up Dovahkiin.
Seeing my Army prepared filled my heart with something. I would think I would be feeling relief or pride, but no I felt something much more Negative. "Good, let's get g…"
Interrupting me Veronica came up to me with her Staff in hand and a new set of clothes which looked appropriate for a fight. She wore a flexible skintight dress with leather armor distributed to soften spots , I know why. "Wait Andres." She said, grabbing me. Dovahkiin having a sixth sense of this kind of thing gave me some room.
"Hey Veronica, what is it?" I say with a bit of happiness, at least I get to see a friend before I go.
"I heard what you said at the podium. You really have a way with words." She said, see I do have Speech 100.
With a smile I say. "Thanks, I do what I have to."
Her attitude became shy as she says. "I want to join the War effort.'' I knew that no one wears clothes that look pretentious when they aren't going to fight. Trying to support herself, she says. "I know how to fight and I was almost a Huntress."
I look at the floor and think. "Do you want to fight or are you forcing yourself?" There's a difference, a massive one. One of them you don't have the strength to keep going when you hit your limit, but the other one will pass that limit and any other obstacle in the way.
Her eyes flared with resolve, but it was a resolve that I often put up. "It doesn't matter, if I can help you, I'll do it." No I won't allow it, I suffer for others won't.
I put my hand on her shoulder and said, "Then you don't need to fight, you've done enough….no I'm serious you giving me clothes to fight in and letting me sleep inside a warm house instead of the cold street, it gave me the rest to fight at my best. You even helped me remember a piece of myself I've been shunning off and anyways if I let you go into there I'll just be worried sick and that's not good for my health.'' I said giving her all my reasons. She did help me realize that being a Hero is a part of me, still doesn't mean I like it.
Her eyes looked distraught for a moment as she said. "Why are you stopping me?"
"I...oh god I this sounds Romantic…. I care about you and I don't want you to hurt, ok." I said blushing, fuck l was suppose to sound like a concerned friend.
Behind me I hear. "Getting sappy already Andres." Dammit Clover ruining a perfectly good moment.
I turn and say. "Eh, I know I'm always emotional." Have you met me? I'm like a fauchet of emotions.
Veronica not having her moment taken away says as she gives me a full bear hug. "I won't get hurt then and be safe Andres. Remember if you doubt yourself remember I believe in you so come back home ok." The second she finished saying that she ran off, thanks Veronica and I do mean it, but what did she mean by home? I don't have a home.
Just realized I'm homeless.
Oh god, I became what I hate.
Happy to have support, I say silently. "I hope so." I turned to Clover giving me a look, hey I ain't the womanizer type. "She's a friend." I said.
She nods and says. "I know, but the way she looks at you is definitely not the same." Yeah, she is persistent. Anyway I shouldn't try to get in a relationship now, too much on my plate.
"I don't know anymore. Hey sorry about in there. I needed the other to be onboard with having you around." I said hoping she doesn't think less of me for that.
She smiles and says. "No, what you did was the best decision, but I really am not with the White Fang."
"I know if you were we would have never made up." I said giving her the truth, like Salem, the White Fang is one of my true enemies.
She looks at me surprised and says. "You forgive me?"
Of course….I have no one else who understands.
"I do, but I won't ever forget it either, know I didn't forgive because of my teenage hormones for you, but because I saw you, the true you and I…..I know like me your special you can change so much." I said from the bottom of my heart.
She blushed for a second, but regained her cool air. "Thanks." She says then she rolls her eyes and says. "God this is weird…..So 'Commander' how are you feeling?"
"...I'm angry." I said letting a bit of the anger out of my inner walls.
Clover got serious and said. "Adam."
I shaked my head and said, "Everything." It's true, so much is making me angry. That normal people are going to War when they shouldn't have to, Qrow's and Ozpin's manipulation, the amount of problems that keep coming up, even the rejection I was hit with a little while ago.
"Not what I was expecting, just don't do anything stupid….too stupid." Clover says, I'll try, but stupid is what keeps me alive the most.
"No promises." I say like a badass, wish I had more of those moments.
"No you do have to promise me one." Clover said solemnly.
I stood quiet, willing to listen. "..."
She grabs my hand and I feel her Aura touch mine in a way I never felt before. "You have to live not for your World or for mine. For no one else only for yourself. You aren't some sacrificial pawn. Stop looking at the bigger picture and just look at yourself." She says with her heart pouring out.
I…...I Wish I Could
"No promises." I say as I start walking away from her back to Dovahkiin
She smiles a bit and yells. "Hardhead, be safe!"
I turn and give her my best charming smile and say. "Probably won't, I believe in you Clover….make it back to me.'' With that I left with Dovahkiin to give a send off to the Militia, the battle was almost here.
Clover blushed and shook her head and said. "He is just bad at this….or really good."
Outside the Great Wall of Vale during the sunset of the land two close Soldiers rode together as they patrol the area keeping the good people of Vale safe. While almost brotherly there was tension in the air between them.
"So how was the kids' first date?" The Private says as he parks the Zoom Buggy.
"Terrible, he was a stumbling mess almost through the date." The Captain says, smiling a bit.
Surprised, the Private says. "Did he get dumped?"
The Captain whistled and said. "Yeah it was brutal, the girl had no chill when he didn't treat her like a princess." While he did treat women with respect he didn't think of them as princesses or queens.
The Private gave a face of pain and said. "Eeee, at least this will be a lesson on what to avoid in the girls he's into. He'll probably be into tomboys mostly because your boys' only been around guys." The Private predicted.
The two got out of the Zoom Buggy and walked into the darkness that was slightly illuminated by the headlight. The mountains stretched across Vale protecting it, but right now there at the end of the natural wall. Where evil could be lurking.
The Captain nodded his head agreeing and said. "Hopefully he'll act more like himself, not a servant...Uh….Ok…...I know you're a good guy, but why did you do it?" The Captain said getting serious destroying the good mood
The Private immediately knowing what he was talking about said. "Oh you know." Why wouldn't he know, it was at his Captain's party?
The Captain, not liking being underestimated yells. "Of fucking course I know...why!?"
"Listen we were both drunk, it just happened." The Private says trying to give the truth.
The Captain kept listening. "..."
The Private looking more down than usual says. "I just wanted to feel something again...it's been rough since the divorce and I felt happy when I was talking to her."
While the two had their talk the bushes out of reach started shaking unbenounced to them.
The Captain nodded his head. He knew what his friend has been through with that leach psycho that he calls his Ex wife. He suspected that might have been one of the reasons. "...If my sister wasn't happy too I would have decked you so hard. She said she wants to talk to you again." The Captain says while smacking the back of his friend.
The Private wide eyed says. "Really."
The Captain pulls out a piece of paper with a phone number on it and says. "Here, you have my blessings just next time don't do it in the guest room you idiot. Keep her safe and don't you dare hurt he….aaahhhhhhhhh!" In an instant a Alpha Beowolf, hardly armored, but small, attacked. It ripped through the Soldiers armor like paper and took the Captain's left arm. Not happy with just that, it went for the kill. Razor teeth going for the father of a childs' neck.
Ripping out of his stunned state, the Private cries out to try and save his non-blood brother. "Nooooo!" Bullets cry out into the sky signaling the beginning of the War.
Behind the bushes hundreds of thousands of Grimm ran for the Great Wall of Vale. Their queen wanted a surprise attack, so she'll get it.
Both Master Blacksmiths worked on their respective pieces, but both took a little break so the metal could get to the proper temperature to be shaped. "Ugly, you need to let the metal heat up more or you get the color distortion on the Blade." Eorlund said, inspecting his brother's work.
While the blades weren't appealing to the eyes they were flawless pieces. "The appearance of a blade isn't important, all that is, is if it can do the job." Oengul said only caring about the job it's supposed to do, not the appeal of it.
Both Blacksmiths had different opinions of what makes a blade Flawless. "Just say you're lazy." Eorlund said, laying down the freshly made weapon.
"No, my time is more important than making it pretty to let the wielder of the weapon be enamored by it. If it works it works." Oengul said hating putting effort into making weapons of death look pretty to hide the fact that it would be something that will kill someone or someone will die holding it.
"Then why did you make Ryuu's Longsword flawless?" Eorlund said noticing that the blade was immaculate without fault and Oengul doesn't do that.
Oengul looked down and said. "...It was a one time thing. The kid risked his life to defend mine. The least I can do is make his lost weapon a bit more special."
Eorlund nodded understanding, "Well it's not special enough to compete with my Masterpieces."
Oengul hated it when his brother tried to compare their work. "You call your rushed work that mainly focuses on the appearance of masterpieces, grasping at straws don't you think brother."
While stopping the mine is better than your argument Oengul smiles and says. "What did you name his Black Sword?"
Eorlund raised an eyebrow and said. "Erebos, why do you ask?"
"Turns out the Longsword I made him does have a name." Oengul said wanting to give the Longsword a name which he normally never does. In the last 40 years this would be his first time naming a weapon.
So Erebos is the God of Darkness so what will go with it.
Ivory would be the name because it would go with Erebos, but he wanted to be above his brother.
Not something that will oppose darkness that's too childish.
Eorlund, bewildered by the idea of his hardheaded brother bending his ideas of naming weapons, says. "What you can't do that…..it's dishonorable."
Not listening, Oengul says. "Its name will be Nyx."
Eorlund realized why his brother picked that name. "You cock sucker." He said mad. Nyx the God with full authority over Darkness.
Why was I going after anyway? Was it really because I admired her strengths and willingness to accept her weaknesses? Did I actually have feelings or was this me lying to myself.
This pain inside is not fake, it's real, but I don't know what it is from, me finally understanding this was an illusion I put on myself or that Weiss will never see me more than Vomit boy.
No it wasn't an illusion I put on myself, it was me putting the idea of her before I put her as a person. Instead of seeing Weiss I saw a perfect person who can do no wrong and I thought I would somehow get with her. A Strong Woman that only saw me as a nuisance.
Still holding the flowers that I got for Weiss, I looked at them with emptiness. I was going to use these to somehow woooh her into a date, but now I know that will never work.
Finally getting to the Vytal festival stands after a long walk that took so long that the sun had set and darkness and the streetlights was all that remained. The dark probably led me further into a hatred for myself.
Almost lifelessly I knew these flowers were useless so I looked around for a trash can and finally after minutes I found one.
As I was about to throw it in the trash so I could wallow in my sadness I heard a voice I didn't want to hear.
Behind me I hear a voice I would call an angel a couple of hours ago, but now only reminds me of how much of a child I am. "Jaune, why are you here?" I turn and I see her by herself in an outdoor chicken restaurant. Of course this is my luck.
I didn't want to talk to her, but a small part of me called for something. It was something I could do, but I didn't know what. "...I don't know." I said with the exact amount of energy I usually had, I thought at least.
Weiss now actually concerned says. "Are you alright, you seem not yourself." Stop being nice, please just stop. Are you trying to make me fall back into that stupid illusion I had of you.
I wanted to run and just disappear, but something didn't let me. "I don't feel like myself.'' I said, feeling my sadness more than ever.
Weiss thought for a second and said. "Come on over and eat something then, it'll help you feel better, don't worry it's on the house."
A small piece of me cried out in excitement, but one thing was on my mind completely. "Why are you being so nice to me? I thought you hated me."
Weiss getting annoyed says. "I don't hate you, I don't know why you have that idea in your head. You're annoying, but still a friend. I just don't like when my friends are unhappy." The final piece Weiss said with such compassion, more compassion I ever saw her show.
I wanted to move to run away, but that small piece that made me stay didn't let me make a move. It was waiting for me to figure out why it won't let me move.
Weiss just sat there in uncomfortable silence waiting on my reply. Weiss now looked everywhere to just make the moment go by quicker, but her eyes stopped on a particular thing and her compassion was seconds away from getting through out the window.
With hidden well annoyance she says. "So why do you have those flowers, they better not be for me." She waited for my answer and there we would decide how she would treat me for now on.
Flowers….the Flowers. They were to show my love for her. To show how willing I was to see her smile and be happy.
Finally something clicked. The part of me that made me stay was giving me my last chance. I know what I have to do. I need to right my wrongs.
I walk up to her and say with as much honesty I can. "They actually are for you. I wanted to ask you on a date, but now I know what I should be using them for….please will you forgive me for being such a jerk. I thought if I was persistent enough you would like it and somehow you would see me in a new light, but all I really did was destroy what could have been a good friendship. I'm sorry Weiss." I bowed my head and held out the flowers.
It wasn't for her to like me, no it was to apologize.
Weiss, finally getting out of her stunned phase, finally reacted and grabbed the flowers out of my hand and said. "You know I don't like White Flowers, but because I know you're genuine so I'll take them."
I look up and see her smile a genuine smile. I've been trying so hard to get out of her.
With her taking the flowers signaled her accepting my apology. "Thank you Weiss." I almost cried. I fixed my mistakes.
Weiss, still seeing Jaune a little bit of a wreck, says. "Like I said, come over and eat, it'll help." She hoped that her team would return already from that face paint stand.
Finally they came back. "Oooh the Ice Queen giving Jauny Boy a chance." Yang walked up ruining a moment.
The RBY of the team arrived with different face paintings. Blake had one of a Cat, Yang had a Dragon, and Ruby had a Wolf.
Weiss, getting annoyed again, yells "Stop thinking with such a perverted mind, I just want to give him a chance to be friends."
Of course the other members know that's why, they waited until it was the best moment to "Come back."
After a bit of teasing from Ruby, Yang and surprisingly Blake, I started to actually get to know Weiss.
Walking towards the podium I think of someone who can help give some insight. I mentally say. "Paarthurnax I know you're there….tell me do you think I'm doing it alright." If someone I should look for advice from it should be a World killer.
With a huff Paarthurnax replies. "I don't know Andres, just follow what you believe is right. I'll be watching to give any advice I can."
"Thanks." I say not getting anything. Now that I think about it Paarthurnax has been quiet about a lot of things. He knows this World well, but said he doesn't.
Is it something sinister or he wants me to show my resolve even when I'm unguided.
Paarthurnax feeling like he wanted to help prepare me more says. "Andres just so you know this battle….it will be nothing like you've ever seen….people will die and you will have no way to save them. People of incredible ability like Salem's Lieutenants will be your opponents. You'll have to use everything you learned so far to win and even then, it might not be enough." I have seen it before. My first interaction with Dragons led to dozens of people deaths I could do nothing about and you comma…..no stop we are on the same side.
We are both forced
We are the same
Calming down I say. "Thanks for the wise words."
People are going to die and I won't be able to stop it.
As I walked onto the podium to say the final word to start the battle I felt my soul ask one thing of me to push home one point, this selfish point which might look compassionate for them, but all I really wanted was not to suffer.
With each step on the stairs more and more faces showed themselves. The entire crowd was filled with every person you can imagine. People from Kakariko, Konoha, Whiterun and some from different smaller Villages that Dovahkiin had contact with and the Hundreds of Huntsmen that came for Vale.
Looking over to my Army I found people not Soldiers that follow every command I order them to do, no these people were neighbors, roommates, lovers, or even parents, or children to others. Each one was different, not in they are all special, no in the they have lives, years to be spent experiencing the World and all it had to offer. To feel everything a Human could be good or bad, to feel loneliness, to feel happiness, to just feel.
To some here I was going to take that away.
I coughed a bit to get their attention. Finally it was quiet enough and I said loudly. "Hear me, I know I have asked so much from you all, to just drop your lives to be in this battle. I don't care for what reason you did it, but if you can please follow my last and most important command!" Every person listened intently to hear what was supposedly most important.
I looked at everyone seeing Azure, Gyatso, Minato, and Dovahkiin and most importantly Clover. "Stay alive, don't you dare die, and I don't mean individually, don't let your allies die, watch each other back if your hurt fall back, if you see a friend hurt, get them out of danger. I know I'm not leading Soldiers into battle, I'm leading Lives into battle and after this you all have lives to go back to. You aren't some sacrificial pawn I see on a chessboard. I see every single one of you as precious lives, so don't lose them." Everybody stood in silence then people started to clap. Soon everybody was clapping. All of them understood what was most important.
Staying Alive